Microsoft has unveiled strategic leadership transitions in its Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations, appointing both Olatomiwa Williams, previously the Country General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, as the Chief Growth & AI Officer for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets, and Mirna Arif, previously the General Manager for Microsoft Egypt, as the General Manager of Middle East and Africa Growth Markets. These moves highlight Microsoft’s ambition to accelerate digital innovation, foster economic opportunity, and expand cloud adoption throughout a diverse set of rapidly developing markets.
Olatomiwa Williams brings extensive experience across West Africa to his new role. For four incredible years, he served as Country General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, where he has been at the forefront of the region’s digital transformation journey. Under his leadership, both countries experienced significant advancements in cloud adoption, skill building, and collaborative partnerships with both public and private sectors.
Mirna Arif brings over two decades of experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to her new role. Since 2020, she has served as the General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, where she has been at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation journey. Under her leadership, Egypt experienced significant advancements in cloud adoption, skill building, and collaborative partnerships with both public and private sectors.
“After four incredible years serving as Country General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, I am excited to share that I am transitioning into a new role as Chief Growth & AI Officer for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets. Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with immense gratitude and deep pride for the remarkable impact, opportunities, and successes we have achieved together.”
–Olatomiwa Williams, Chief Growth & AI Officer for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets, Microsoft.
“It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to Egypt’s remarkable digital journey. I am excited to carry these learnings forward to support governments and organizations across emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa as they harness the power of cloud and AI to drive sustainable economic and societal progress.”
–Mirna Arif, General Manager of Middle East and Africa Growth Markets, Microsoft.
Both appointments broaden their influence to key nations including Oman, Bahrain, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and others. In these roles, Olatomiwa and Mirna are charged with driving Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and organizations to achieve more through secure, reliable, and cutting-edge digital tools, with Olatomiwa focusing particularly on AI innovation and growth acceleration.
Advancing Digital Transformation in the MEA Region Microsoft’s investment in experienced, purpose-driven leadership comes at a decisive moment for the region. Governments and organizations across MEA are embracing digital transformation to foster innovation, boost productivity, and create new economic opportunities. Microsoft, with Olatomiwa Williams’ and Mirna Arif’s leadership, is set to support these efforts with:
Expanded Cloud Adoption: Bringing scalable and secure cloud services to countries eager to modernize their IT infrastructure. AI and Digital Skills Development: Continuing strategic initiatives to upskill youth and professionals, addressing the region’s digital skills gap. Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Deepening cooperation to address regional priorities such as economic diversification, public sector modernization, and industry-specific innovation. In previous coverage, we highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to technological advancement in the MEA, with notable partnerships and infrastructure investments fueling local innovation ecosystems.
Nigeria and Ghana Remain Microsoft Strategic Hubs Nigeria and Ghana remain central to Microsoft’s vision for the region. Both countries’ young, tech-savvy workforce and robust government commitment to digitalization make them ideal environments for innovation. Microsoft’s ongoing collaboration with Nigerian and Ghanaian government entities and organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing reflects a determination to maximize the impact of emerging technologies, notably AI and the cloud.
Microsoft’s initiatives—ranging from enhancing public services to enabling digital entrepreneurship—have established it as a trusted technology partner in both countries’ ambitious digital agendas.
Sustained Commitment to Growth and Innovation Microsoft’s MEA transition echoes its broader strategy of empowering employees with local insight and global expertise to drive sustainable progress. The company is now in the process of appointing a new Country General Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, ensuring continuity and the sustained advancement of its digital transformation agenda.
With Olatomiwa Williams at the helm for regional growth markets, Microsoft is positioned to:
Bolster economic opportunity through technology. Address unique challenges across emerging markets. Maintain its leadership in secure, ethical, and inclusive digital innovation. Previously, Microsoft Elevates Naim Yazbeck to MEA President, Appoints Amr Kamel as UAE General Manager in Remarkable 2-Leader Promotion. These leadership moves come as Microsoft also invests in major AI, cloud, and partner initiatives throughout MEA, enhancing end-user value and national digital competitiveness.
Microsoft’s decision to place a proven leader like Olatomiwa Williams in a critical regional role demonstrates its dedication to accelerating transformation and digital empowerment across the Middle East and Africa. With continued investments in leadership, people, and technology, Microsoft reinforces its role as an engine of innovation and progress for emerging markets.
